Four schools heavily targeting four-star recruit RJ Livingston
The 2026 class is filled with talent, leaving some guys under the radar or overlooked.
One of those guys is Newman High School’s RJ Livingston.
For RJ Livingston, a 6-foot-2 guard originally from Florida who opted to transfer to Newman in New Orleans to play for his father, former NBA veteran Randy Livingston, it was a busy contact period, as expected.
He has heard from over 15+ schools during this contact period, many of which have gotten to watch his growth over the last two seasons. This past April, Livingston saw a lot of success during session one of the EYBL circuit, showing off his scoring ability and ability to create space and create for those around him.
Livingston's success is no shocker to those who have seen him play; it attests to the fact that programs like Houston and SMU decided to offer him scholarships early into his sophomore year. In addition, Florida State and Auburn even hosted him for unofficial visits.
His game is very enticing. He’s proven that he can score at the rim or from the mid-range, but he can also expand his range and hit the deep ball when needed. In talking with coaches, I see that they all value Livingston’s IQ and ability to spark an offense and read the floor very well for someone just now approaching his final high school years.
Livingston has the honor of playing with Italy’s U16 squad this summer. He took time out of his busy schedule to discuss recruiting and on-court development with Stockrisers.com.
Which schools are heavily involved at this time?
“Auburn, LSU, Boise State, and Louisville.”
Are there any new ones since Peach Jam?
“No.”
How would you describe your relationship with Coach Pearl, and what are your thoughts on Auburn?
“Our relationship is good. He and the coaching staff were at almost every game of mine, whether early in the morning or the afternoon, so that showed me a lot about them. I think very highly of Auburn because of my past visit there and how the coaching staff is high on me.”
Do you have any thoughts on Louisville and the new culture they’re setting over there?
“I believe they will be a really good team and become an established winning culture for the years to come.”
How about LSU? What is the pursuit like from them, and what is your relationship with the staff?
“Our relationship is tight. They’re going after me a good bit; they were at my games at the Peach Jam. Even though I am not from New Orleans and whatnot, I go to school there now, so for them, it is sort of like a local talent in which they can come to visit me during school practices or whatever the case may be.”
What are you going to do, visit-wise? I know it’s early, but are you going to officially visit those schools?
“I plan on taking an official visit to these schools this upcoming fall.”
And as far as your game, how would you best describe it now?
“I would describe my game right now as a 3-level scorer who can do a bit of everything. Anything the coaches ask me to do, I can do, whether that’s go score, rebound, or even get waters for the guys and be a good teammate as long as we come out with the win.
I wanted to show this summer that I can score, pass, and get my teammates involved, which I haven’t done in high school or the past AAU season.”
And what areas of your game will you focus on to improve?
“I think I am still trying to figure out when to attack and score and when not to create for myself and create for others. And then, of course, I'm getting stronger and working on getting my shot more consistent.”